The in-form forward had a hat-trick within 29 minutes – the quickest for the Blues in the Premier League – after cleverly combining with Nicolas Jackson for the first, heading in the second and chipping Jordan Pickford from range for the third.

The provider for the opener - Jackson - made sure to etch his name onto the scoresheet, powering home a strike just before the break as Chelsea took a four-goal lead into the dressing room.

After the interval, Palmer won and converted a spot-kick to take his tally to four – the first time a Chelsea player has notched four in a Premier League game since Frank Lampard in March 2010. To add gloss to the scoreline, Cobham graduate Alfie Gilchrist scored his first for the club to make it six without reply to the Blues and conclude a memorable night.

Palmer was delighted with the result and his contribution, particularly pleased to help his side get back to winning ways after a draw last time out on the road.

‘It all happened so fast in the first 30 minutes,’ Palmer opened.

‘We started well and to score a hat-trick, I’m buzzing. I think the team needed that after last Sunday and some previous games. We did well tonight. It was a great game for the team and me.

‘We needed to come out and show something and I think from the first minute we showed what we could do. It was a good performance tonight. We’re really happy with the win.

‘To make the decision to come to Chelsea was a big one for me and my family, but I just wanted to play football. I’m thankful to Chelsea for the opportunity and I’m buzzing.’

When asked which strike from the four was his favourite, the 21-year-old gave his verdict.

‘I think my first one was my favourite,’ he replied. ‘My right-footed goal was a bit of a swinger, but my first one was probably my favourite. As an attacker, you always want to help the team with goals and assists, but my main focus was playing well and trying to get into the positions to score goals.’

After his dazzling display, Cole is refusing to get ahead of himself with another important match coming up as we go head-to-head with Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

‘This season has been a bit inconsistent for us,’ Palmer said.

‘We have had some poor performances, but then again we have battled with the big sides, done well and got some good wins. We need to take each game as it comes and see where we finish.’

Finally, the winger also saved deserved praise for his teammate Gilchrist.

‘Everyone was buzzing for him,’ Cole added. ‘Obviously, he has been at Chelsea for his whole life. He has trained with us and put 100 per cent in every day.’